Both shows will be given 16 episodes for their second seasons, in order to be aired after The Walking Dead, which had its episode order increased from 13 to 16.

In a statement, Hardwick said: "Talking Dead has been an amazing experience and I cannot pile enough hugs and thanks onto AMC for renewing it."

He joked: "I CAN'T WAIT for Season 3 of Walking Dead, so that we can finally talk about Rick meeting [SPOILER] and [SPOILER]-ing him with a heavy-duty [SPOILER] at the [SPOILER]. And let's not forget all the rest of the [SPOILER]s getting in on the action! [EXPLETIVE] me! It's going to be great..."

Comic Book Men will have 10 more episodes than its first season, but its running time will be shortened from an hour to half-an-hour.

"Pinch my fat ass, 'cause I must be dreaming! A thousand thank yous wouldn't cover the gratitude I'm feeling right now," Smith said in a statement.

"And as you might imagine, everyone at SModcast Pictures is in love with everyone at AMC today! Rest assured, Walt, Bry, Mike, Ming and I are suited up and ready to hit the ice for our second season with Team AMC."

AMC executive Joel Stillerman said: "AMC set out to build shows around authentic characters and original worlds, and Comic Book Men really delivers on both of these.

"Talking Dead is just great synergy and it gives our audience a destination to continue the conversation about The Walking Dead. We are thrilled that Chris is back to lead the discussion. He is genuinely knowledgeable about the genre, and truly entertaining."